'The Lost Girls' Review: A harrowing tale of treachery and trafficking
How long does a film take to jolt you? A couple of minutes? Ideally, half an hour or so post the whole setup, right? That really isn't the case with 'The Lost Girls' as we get drawn into the world right from the get-go. So much so that it throws people off their chairs right from the minute the ball rolls.
With a tightly packed screenplay that has its head and heart in the right place, 'The Lost Girls' kicks off on a very jarring note on the borders. There's a separation - well, not one but many - and it sets the ominosity that looms for the remainder of the film.
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The Lifetime flick, directed by Julia Verdin, is a tale of hopes gone sour. It's the harrowing tale of Angie, a 17-year-old, who is sold into the flesh trade after being lured in with prospects of being a successful singer. Verdin takes us along with Angie from one spot to another and as the narrative kicks back along the US-Mexico border, it makes for one emotional rollercoaster. We have people hoping for the best on either side and in all, it makes for something that cooks up for turmoil towards the end.
Julia Verdin has done her research right and it boils down to two things. Education and awareness. She emphasizes on parents looking into potential groomers and seems to spread the word of Christ as she feels that it has always been a turning point for those fleeing.
'The Lost Girls,' when not packed with its messaging, is a tell-all tale of dreams going down the drain. Chances are you could have a debate or two about immigration practices but it's healthy. With all its gut and gore, what 'The Lost Girls' manages to do is be an extremely personal story. It's informative but it never feels like a documentary, making it one of the most earnest Lifetime outings in recent times.
